SMSL’s SH DAC/AMP line has been immensely popular over the last few years as they tend to offer a strong price/performance ratio. On the high-end sat the SX-9 devices with the newly released SX-8s devices providing much of the same experience in a stripped-down form-factor at a lower price. The company has just launched its latest addition, the SU-6 headphone AMP and the SU-6 DAC which now represents the cheapest options in the line.
The SH-6 is a desktop amplifier with a focus on compact design and footprint. It offers an ultra-low distortion linear feedback circuit as seen on their previous amplifiers. In addition, it sports 2-step gain, a pop-free design and an ultra-low noise power supply. This is looking to be a handsome set up for those with space constraints who don’t need the added flexibility of balanced IO.
The SU-6 plays DAC counterpart in an equally compact shell. It features a powerful 2nd generation XMOS chip supporting DSD64 and PCM 32bit/768kHz. Inside, listeners will find ESS’ ES9038Q2M DAC chip alongside four high-end dual OPA1612 OP Amps. The SU-6 also supports Bluetooth 5.0 like the higher-end models, aiding versatility and features a simplified OLED display for intuitive navigation.
The SH-6 just launched for $119 USD and the SU-6 is available for $169 USD on Apos Audio. You can also buy the two devices combined at a discount via their Apos Ensemble program here.
2 Responses
Thank you for your reviews. If you had to choose, would you opt for the Topping DX3Pro+ or the SMSL SU-6? To the casual observer, they appear to be nearly identical under the hood. Any insight?
Hey Gary,
My pleasure, hope they’ve helped you out!
You honestly can’t directly compare the DX3 Pro and the SU-6 as the former is a DAC/AMP and the latter purely a DAC.
If you already have a headphone amp then the SU-6 will give you slightly better performance.
However, if you need an all-in-one DAC + AMP it’s hard to go wrong with the DX3 Pro at this price range.
Warm regards,
Ryan.